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Own or drive this car?

1.6 16v RT Sport 5dr

ian moore
,
cumbria
.
Date:
15/04/2008

Overall verdict

5
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

5
out of 5 stars

Running costs

5
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

5
out of 5 stars

My car

I purchased the car new in 1998. It's the evolutoin model. Now covered 101,000 trouble free miles. The vehicle still has many original parts ie exhaust system, all rear brake parts, clutch. The bodywork and paint are like the day it came out of the showroom. Never been garaged, only polished about 4 x times in it's life, but must admit it gets washed on a regular basis. Over the years i have fitted a new battery and a Exhuast manifold, there have been 2 x routine cam belt changes due to mileage. The car has always started 1st time every time. Used everyday without fail, never off the road. It has never broke down and runs like a dream, very comfortable drive, great for long motorway journeys. A car like mine could bought for around £500 nowadays. If you can get one that's been looked after it would be an absolute bargain. Love it to bits wish I could buy the same car from new again. I always tell people that this car is the best thing that I have ever purchased and I,m dammed serious about that. There's loads of these cars just like mine out there just waiting to be snapped up for little money so what are you waiting for go get one.

2.0 16v RTi 5dr

Paul Douglas Hefferman
Date:
09/02/2008

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

4
out of 5 stars

Running costs

3
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

My car

96, 2 ltr, 5 door hatchback, 113,000 mls, Owned for nearly 2 yrs, bought for £250. Previously, I think a rep's car from every piece of service history which I gained with the car - quite a book, not surprising given it's age, nothing major during that time. Inside it was mint, semi bucket seats, even the drivers seat was mint given the mileage. Have had better ride quality in other cars, but the engine is brill, nought to 6o off the shovel, really surprised compared to so called quicker cars I've had in the past. I've replaced 1 front shocker, and what I consider ordinary motoring costs, ie. brake pads,new rear exhaust box and 2 front tyres.
Everything well until gearbox/diff went. Attempted repair 3 times within a matter of 2 months, now decided to go for a fresh gearbox etc. which I would advise any readers to do if difficulty with gearbox/diff is encountered, it will save a lot of messing about being transported back to your mechanic and any extra costs therein. Despite this I am still awaiting the return of my vehicle with enthusiasm. I got the car cheap and will have spent about £500 by the time I get it back, but overall for £750 for so far 2 yrs driving to date, still a bargain. Watch this space!

1.8 RT Sport 5dr

Alasdair Davis
Date:
12/01/2008

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

3
out of 5 stars

Running costs

4
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

4
out of 5 stars

My car

My dad has owned this car for 7 years and it's now done 150,000 miles. It has no major mechanical problems, and it's still on the original clutch, gearbox etc.

First gear can be annoying to get into, this has been a problem for a long time. Otherwise it's good to drive and fuel economy is good - 40mpg.

Opening the boot is annoying - it needs two hands! Poor design. Also back door can leak water.

Overall you cannot complain - 150,000 miles and still going strong!

3.0 V6 RTi 5dr

Dan Bryant
,
East Sussex
.
Date:
21/08/2007

Overall verdict

4
out of 5 stars

What's it like to drive

5
out of 5 stars

Running costs

2
out of 5 stars

Quality, practicality and equipment

5
out of 5 stars

My car

I sold my 2.2-litre diesel to upgrade to this 3.0 RTi V6 24V. The only thing wrong with the motor is the heater blower, which does not work (typical Renault electrics) and will probably cost in the region of £200 to fix.

It's very comfortable drive, has exceedingly good acceleration (it surprises BMW 3 Series owners as you leave them in your wake), and the gadgets are good, including a talking trip computer, climate control, air-conditioning, a digital dash for mileage left in tank etc, and six-disc multichanger.

There's also very good luggage space, and insurance is relatively cheap for a car that can do in excess of 145mph!

However, it is currently averaging about 20.5mpg through mixed driving but mostly town, and servicing costs are high (£220 for a full service). It's not an easy engine to do DIY on.

All in all, though, this car, no matter the costs involved, will put a grin from ear to ear on you.